12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

I will give you a son. . . . He shall give rise to nations.

Once again, God was appearing to Abraham to reaffirm his covenant promise: Abraham would become the father of multitudes. This time, he even gave more detail—his son, to be named Isaac, would be born within a year, “and rulers of peoples shall issue from him” (Genesis 17:16)! This seemed so impossible that Abraham couldn’t help but laugh. After all, he was ninety-nine years old. Sarah had been infertile her entire life. Abraham couldn’t see the end of God’s plan when he was in the middle of it. He had to trust and wait—and try not to laugh.

That year of waiting probably seemed the longest year of their lives. Even after Sarah became pregnant, they likely wrestled with some fears and doubts. Would the aging Sarah have a safe pregnancy? Would their child be born healthy? But they strengthened their faith by believing in the One who had called them, recalling his protection and provision for them in the past, and choosing to entrust their future to him regardless of the obstacles.

That’s what makes Abraham and Sarah such wonderful traveling companions for us. We might not have received a specific promise from God as they did, but each of us is waiting for something. We’re all in the middle of God’s plan for our lives. We can’t see fully how everything will work out. When will I find a new job? What will happen between my estranged brother and sister? Will our daughter be blessed with a longed-for baby?

We may find it hard to trust that God is taking care of us when we are still in the middle of our stories. But remember Abraham and Sarah and do what they did: believe in the One who has called you. God is all powerful and faithful. Remember the ways he has protected you and provided for you throughout your life. Choose to focus on his love for you instead of on the difficulties you face. And don’t be afraid of the waiting.

“God of Abraham, God of Isaac, thank you for your perfect plan that continues on in my life.”

Psalm 128:1-5
Matthew 8:1-4
Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22

WORD AMONG US